Health Equality Award HCs

Leila Diamond, Paydens Pharmacy (Hoo)

When refugees from Ukraine ended up on a local farm in Hoo, Rochester, many of them struggled to adapt. They faced language barriers and were suffering from mental health concerns. Without the help of our Health Equality highly commended finalist, Leila Diamond, many of them would have not received vital support they needed.

It is “wonderful to support access to healthcare when there has been significant displacement and relocation for patients,” said Nicola Stockmann, president of the Association of Pharmacy Technicians UK (APTUK). Indeed, Ifti Khan, pharmacy superintendent at Well, said she: “Went above and beyond in ensuring patients from Ukraine were supported with health needs, in addition to the local health needs in a deprived community.”

To combat the language barrier, Leila ordered stickers for the pharmacy’s keyboards, as the Ukrainian language has a different alphabet to the English one. This meant the pharmacy team could communicate more effectively and get the refugees the help they needed. Initially the community only expected one coach of refugees to be dropped off at the farm, however this number was quadrupled in the end. Leila and the team worked tirelessly alongside them for months. Mike Holden, RoE judge and associate director at Pharmacy Complete added: “Leila is a real asset to this pharmacy and the local population including those who have come here from the Ukraine. Leila is an exemplary member of her pharmacy team and an example to all of how focussing on the needs of the local population can make a significant impact on health inequalities.”

Natalie Carruthers, Avicenna Pharmacy, Seaton Burn

Being a Health Equality champion is all about improving access and supporting people to have independence over their own health. This “is great to witness and also be a part of”, said our highly commended finalist Natalie Carruthers. Growing up, Natalie learnt British Sign Language (BSL) to communicate with her grandad, who is deaf. When she first started at the pharmacy, a couple of patients were deaf and staff would usually communicate with them using paper and pen. Since joining, the pharmacy’s number of deaf patients has increased and Natalie communicates effectively with them using BSL. This is especially beneficial for the patients for whom English is not their first language.

Rupen Sedani, RoE judge and retail clinical superintendent at Avicenna said: “Her BSL skills provides support and gives independent access for the hard hearing and/or deaf population helping to overcome health inequality.” Indeed, Natalie’s skill and attentiveness means these patient’s now have access to confidential consultations as they don’t need another person present to translate. Natalie can also make GP appointments and arrange an interpreter if necessary. This enables these patients to access a significantly larger range of health services without being compromised – an excellent example of Health Equality provision.

Mike Holden, Roe judge and associate director at Pharmacy Complete, added: “The use of her BSL capability is an excellent example of meeting an inequality. Natalie is certainly passionate about supporting those with hearing impairment and a great asset for the pharmacy.”